Next Generation Networks: Policy and Regulatory Challenges

Transcription

1 Next Generation Networks: Policy and Regulatory Challenges St. Vincent, 7-8 October 2005 Laura Pontiggia, European Commission DG INFSO

2 Contents 1.NGNs NGNs: : the challenges 2.A A need for a dialogue 3.The i2010 initiative 4.The Review of the Regulatory Framework 5. Conclusion 5.

3 NGNs: the service providers needs How to integrate nomadic users and providers, fixed and wireless access, internet networks, IP-enabled services into a coherent, secure and high-quality public telecommunication infrastructure

4 NGNs: the regulatory challenge How to ensure that all elements are in place to encourage investment, infrastructure roll-out innovation while securing that general public needs are adequately taken care of e.g. interoperability, interconnectivity, emergency communications, privacy protection, legal interception, security and integrity, etc.

5 Uncertainty Operators are preparing to invest in NGNs without knowing which requirements regulators and policy makers will impose and Policy makers and regulators don t have enough understanding of NGNs to develop their requirements

6 Commission workshop on NGNs Brussels, 22 June 2005 launch of a broad dialogue between stakeholders The confrontation between market players came out loud and clear Internet industry Competitive carriers Incumbent telecom operators Policy makers and regulators have to be vigilant and reflect

7 From eeurope to i2010 From eeurope 2005 to i Shall provide the political chapeau for activities on... the regulatory framework (including relevant legal and regulatory questions outside the communications area), the audiovisual and media sectors......and for research and innovation in relevant areas Reinforce the contribution of ICT to Europe s performance... Creating a favourable environment for competitiveness and growth... Increase the welfare of European citizens through increased use of ICT... Broadened scope: all electronic communications, services and media sectors Stating objectives and benchmarking performance

8 i2010: Three priorities I. A Single European Information Space The completion of a Single European Information Space which promotes an open and competitive internal market for information society and media II. Innovation and investment in research II. Strengthening Innovation and Investment in ICT research to promote growth and more and better jobs III. Inclusion, better public services and quality of life III. Achieving an Inclusive European Information Society that promotes growth and jobs in a manner that is consistent with sustainable development and that prioritises better public services and quality of life

9 I) A single information space A Single European Information Space offering affordable and secure high bandwidth communications, rich and diverse content and digital services. stimulating growth in the sector boosting competitiveness across the economy improving European quality of life Challenges: Speed, rich content, interoperability, security Actions: Review electronic communications framework, modernising legal framework for audiovisual, European content support, strategy for secure European Information Society; targeted actions on interoperability (especially DRM)

10 II) Innovation and Investment in research World class performance in research and innovation in ICT by closing the gap with Europe s s leading competitors Actions: Research: increase & prioritise for ICT, launch bottleneck-solving initiatives; measures to encourage private investments ebusiness policies barrier removing Support tools for new patterns of work

11 III) Inclusion, better public services and quality of life An Information Society that is inclusive, provides high quality public services and promotes quality of life. Actions: Policy guidance on eaccessibility and broadband coverage; einclusion initiative proposal, Action plan on egovernment; demonstrator projects; three flagship initiatives on Quality of Life-ICT

12 Four tools for implementation + Communication Governance i 2010 Legislation Foreseen Review of the regulatory frameworks FP 6 and 7 CIP Others (SF) Financial Support Benchmarking and Monitoring Specific discussion

13 The ecommunications Regulatory Framework (RF) Policy objectives: Promoting competition Consolidating the internal market Promoting the interests of consumers

14 Policy objectives and NGNs Applying the same policy objectives to NGNs,, ensuring that Competition will be strengthened Incentive to invest will be maintained, for both new entrants and incumbents Consumers interests will continue to be protected

15 The review of the Regulatory Framework What needs to be changed in the Regulatory Framework to take account of technological and economic evolutions in the ecommunications market? How to ensure that EU citizens will benefit from an advanced, innovative and cost effective ecommunications sector? The debate is open on defining the future RF!

16 FCC principles for future regulation Consumers are entitled to: 1. 1.access the lawful Internet content of their choice 2.run applications and services of their choice 3.connect their choice of legal device 4. 4.competition among network, application, service and content providers

17 RF Review: a timetable Review of scope of Universal service Review of EU framework Proposals for EP and Council Directives? Adoption of Directives by EP and Council Transposition of Directives in Member States Public Consultation Decision Data retention Recommendation on relevant markets

18 On the web